I wasn’t at the school board meeting last night, but I didn’t need to be. It was as predictable as the sun rising in the east. I’m not quite sure why they’re continuing the charade of “evaluating” the two proposed school sites; they’re not fooling anyone.
The school board decided on this site long ago, and nothing is going to stop them now. If they want to make unilateral decisions and ignore the city, parents, and residents — not to mention budget realities — that’s their prerogative, but a very foolish course of action. The school board fancies itself as the Lone Ranger, a vigilante board that can save Peoria singlehandedly. But they’re really more like Don Quixote: idealistic and impractical, mistaking friends for enemies, well-meaning but delusional.
They’ll build their school on the park site, and they’ll congratulate each other in the shadow of their burned bridges.
CJ, didn’t you already prove that the 15 acres as a “state recommendation” is bullshit already? Doesn’t Ken Hinton read this site? Why doesn’t everyone read this site?! Oi, if only…
Hinton doesn’t have to read this site; he just needs to get his head out of the clouds with his attitude of “leaving a legacy”, and listen to the outcry of the people. And “no” , he probably doesn’t read this or any of the others; nor does he listen. He hears words that go in one ear and out the other.
The site proposed is only 10.4 acres. If the board wants 15, so what? Where else are they going to build this school to service the East Bluff? Certainly not at the current site. Not enough room and they most certainly would have to close the old school first. So where then? Remember also, they are trying to build a single story building to replace a 3 story one. One with no A/C and a very old heating system. Wonder with the current natual gas rates that costs to heat?